Supervisor: Dr Zhengyu Lin
Closing Date: 14 October 2018
Applications are invited for a three year Postgraduate studentship in Aston University, supported by the School of Engineering and Applied Science, to be undertaken within the Power Electronics, Machine, and Power System (PEMPS) Research Group at Aston University. The successful applicant will join an established experimental group working on the research on power electronics and its application in low voltage DC microgrids.
The position is available to start in October 2018 if possible (subject to negotiation), or January 2019.
Financial Support
This studentship includes a fee bursary to cover the home/EU fees rate plus a maintenance allowance of £14,777 in 2018/19.
Overseas Applicants
Applicants from outside the EU may apply for this studentship but will need to pay the difference between the ‘Home/EU’ and the ‘Overseas’ tuition fees, currently this is £12,290 in 2018/19.
As part of the application you will be required to confirm that you have applied for, or, secured this additional funding.
Background to the Project
Microgrids are small-scale power subsystems that include distributed energy generations, energy storages, and local loads. Compared to AC power systems, DC microgrid has the advantages of simpler control, higher reliability and efficiency, and has gained a continually increasing interest in the last several years.
This project will address the challenges of achieving plug-and-play operation for low voltage DC microgrids. The plug-and-play concept means the DC microgrid stable operation will not be affected by the connection/disconnection of power converters to the system, and the system control algorithm can be updated after a power converter is connected or disconnected. The plug and play feature will provide ease of use for the DC microgrid technology, and new building and industrial applications of DC microgrid will be explored. This project is expected to make contributions for the UK clean economic growth.
Person Specification
The successful applicant should have a first class or upper second class honours degree or equivalent qualification in Electrical Engineering. Preferred skill requirements include knowledge/experience of: power electronics design and hands-on experience, electrical machine and drives, microprocessor based control system design and test, simulation, PCB design and testing.
We would particularly like to encourage applications from women seeking to progress their academic careers. Aston University is committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN Charter, recognised recently by a prestigious Silver Award to EAS, and we pride ourselves on our vibrant, friendly and supportive working environment and family atmosphere.
Contact information
For formal enquiries about this project contact Dr Zhengyu Lin by email at [email protected].
Submitting an application
Details of how to submit your application, English Language Entry Requirements, and the necessary supporting documents can be found here.
Applications must also be accompanied by a research proposal giving an overview of the main themes of the research as detailed in the Background to the Project section above. This should demonstrate your understanding of the research area and how your knowledge and experience will benefit the project.
If you require further information about the application process please contact the Postgraduate Admissions team at [email protected].
Further particulars and application forms are available in alternative formats on request i.e. large print, Braille, tape or CD Rom.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact HR via [email protected]